This page has been set up as a sort of index for all things queens. How often do you hear a comment at a beekeeping
meeting that goes something like this-"Is she marked?" or "Is she clipped?", as if that is the most important part of
a queen. She is the most important member of the colony, but probably the least understood by many beekeepers. Very
often beekeepers can't see them, even some who have kept bees for some time.

The characteristics and health of a colony is determined by the queen, but sadly many beekeepers do nothing to
improve their stock by requeening from their better colonies. Why not? If they ran a business and their staff were
argumentative and were off work through sickness on a regular basis they would see the company suffering and would
do something about it.

I think queens are the one of the most neglected aspects of beekeeping and I encourage beekeepers to assess them
and replace the poor ones.